Photos: Oprah Winfrey through the years

In 1986, Winfrey made her national TV talk show debut. She managed to beat veteran Phil Donahue in the ratings and spawned a host of imitators.

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Winfrey has long struggled with her weight. In this infamous moment from her talk show, Oprah wheels out 60-plus pounds of fat to illustrate how much weight she lost.Screengrab
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Oprah Winfrey has given a gift to the world of running. In 1994, she ran the 1994 Marine Corps Marathon in a time of of 4:29:20. Beating Oprah's marathon time has become something of a goal for novice marathoners who strive to finish under "The Oprah Line."xx
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In 2001, Winfrey launched O Magazine. She has appeared on the cover of every issue.-
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In 1998, Winfrey produced a film adaptation of the Toni Morrison novel "Beloved."Handout
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David Letterman has poked fun at Winfrey more than a few times. The late-night host famously bombed with his "Uma-Oprah" joke at the 1994 Oscars and kept an "Oprah log" to track how long Winfrey went without returning his calls. The two have since made up, having made several appearances together including a recent engagement at Letterman's alma mater, Ball State University.AP Photo
/ Michael Conroy

One offshoot of the trial: she met legal consultant Dr. Phil McGraw, who she later turned into a star.Charley Gallay
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Winfrey faced the wrath of the cattle industry after interviewing author Howard Lyman about Mad Cow disease. "It has just stopped me cold from eating another burger!" said Winfrey, following Lyman's remarks. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association sued both Lyman and Winfrey. The case was dismissed.Handout
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During an episode of the 1990s sitcom Ellen, the lead character played by comedian Ellen Degeneres came out to a therapist played by Winfrey. The episode was considered a watershed moment in network TV history.-
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Winfrey has worked closely with best friend Gayle King. In an O Magazine interview, Winfrey and King discussed rumours that they are a couple. "I understand why people think we're gay," said Winfrey. "There isn't a definition in our culture for this kind of bond between women. So I get why people have to label it—how can you be this close without it being sexual? How else can you explain a level of intimacy where someone always loves you, always respects you, admires you?Scott Olson
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Winfrey has been in the news this week following her tell-all interview with disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong.George Burns
/ Oprah Winfrey Network via Getty Images

Winfrey has campaigned for U.S. president Barack Obama. She spoke at several of Obama's 2007 campaign stops including this one in South Carolina.Stephen Morton
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Winfrey was involved in a 2005 Broadway production of 'The Color Purple'Peter Kramer
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After the 9/11 attacks, Winfrey hosted a 'Prayer For America' memorial service at Yankee Stadium.TIMOTHY CLARY
/ AFP/Getty Images

During her career, Winfrey has met with many world figures including former archbishop Desmond Tutu.STR
/ AFP/Getty Images

Photos: Oprah Winfrey through the years

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